- I don't own anything Labyrinth. Thank you everyone for your patience, this chapter took a little longer than planned. So much going on at once it was hard to decide exactly how it should go! I hope you enjoy it, feedback is always appreciated. ~MB
Sarah stretched languidly, the sunlight making her see red and orange behind her eyelids. It was so bright. What time was it? Has she forgotten to set her alarm? With that disturbing thought Sarah's eyes snapped open and she sat up. A quick glance around stole any idea that she was late for work. She was back in the chamber that Jareth had created for her. Large windows cast the room in bright light, almost blinding. Sarah slumped against the pillows for a moment, staring at the canopy above her. She had passed Jareth's first test, rescuing Ludo from God only knows what unspeakable torture. He had been bloodied, torn and mutilated. His fur was not the bright shining red that she remembered, but almost black with dried blood, or fresh running pus in other places. Sarah didn't want to imagine the pain he endured. Tears welled up, and for a moment she allowed herself to succumb to them, feeling the warmth as it fell down her cheeks, splashing down on to her chest, disappearing into the dulled black fabric of her dress.
She slowly pulled herself up and drifted slowly towards the bathroom, intent on washing the blood off. As she reached a hand out to turn the hot water on she paused. Her finger nails were clean, free of any chips. Her eyes travelled up her arm, and though she could see the tears in her dress, there was no blood. Sarah quickly shook off the dress and inspected her naked skin. There were no cuts, no blood and her skin was smooth and soft. She shook her head and just waited for the tub to fill up with hot steaming water. She removed her undergarments and sank down into the water, wincing as the too hot water reddened her skin. As she adapted it soaked into her muscles and a soft sigh escaped, just as she needed to escape for just a moment.
Blood seemed to follow her everywhere here, the seemingly peaceful moments turning quickly into horrific endeavours. The man she had admitted to herself that she had loved, and could love again turning into the ring leader of a sinister circus. He paraded the horrors before her, crystals dancing before her twinkling with dark energy. He drew her into a wicked dance and awakened her body to carnal pleasures that she had purposefully left sleeping. Everything about him put her senses in danger. Sarah felt a stirring in her body as she thought about his tongue pushing past her lips, devouring her, taking her breath with a single kiss. She had felt his soul in that kiss; it's dark caress rushing through her body. He was her dark King, and she could not deny it. As she sank deeper into the dark water a single question came uninvited into her mind. Would you walk through hell for him?
Jareth knew when Sarah came back from Morpheus's realm and he could feel her consciousness returning with every breath she took. He closed his eyes and felt the hot water lapping at her bare skin, her muscles totally relaxed as she again drifted between awake and dreaming. Jareth liked her in this place, before the King of Dreams entered her mind, when she was open to his probing and he could feel her and hear her more clearly than ever. He could see the images she held in her mind, the focus on the blood and flesh that he had shown her. Jareth's twisted soul felt triumph rise, its dark chorus rang through his being in celebration. She would soon succumb to the same darkness that he had given into. He would rule her, and she would love him. She had two more doors to enter, two more deals to strike. He would lead her down the path he had chosen for her, and she would follow. He would do so under the guise of saving those she loved, of compassion for those in his realm, and when she was too far to turn back he would show her his darkness.
When the water started to cool Sarah finally found the strength to leave the tub. She had kept her mind pleasantly blank of all questions, focusing on how beautifully hot the water had been. Now that it was cold it all came flooding back. Sarah had friendships to live up to and a little girl to look after, she would need to focus. With more rummaging through the armoire she was able to find a black pair of leggings and a soft grey oversized sweater that hung off of one shoulder. She added a soft pair of purple boots to the outfit and felt more like herself than she had in any dress or gown Jareth had provided. Sarah then sat in front of the vanity mirror and starting brushing out her hair. One stroke after the other, starting from the top to the bottom she absent mindedly brushed her dark tresses. Sarah stopped mid stroke. She turned her green eyes to the mirror and looked at her wide eyed reflection. Her hair was long again.
She pulled one of the long strands in front of her eyes, bewildered. Again it fell just past the middle of her back, like silk it was shining. It was dry and vibrant, but how? She looked at the silver brush and set it down cautiously on the table, wondering what would happen if she brushed the other parts of her body that had hair for a moment. She released the strange thought and stood, determined to not be distracted by little things that Jareth threw at her. There were bigger crystals to break.
The chaos in the throne room made Sarah hesitate. Goblins were running in all directions, running into each other, slamming into overturned tables. There was even a cask of ale that was steadily pouring the remainder of its contents on the floor. There was a goblin peeking out of the large whole, giggling like a fool as he lapped up the spilling drink. When she entered the room everything stilled. Her eyes went to the throne where Jareth was sitting. He shrugged his shoulders and with his eyes indicated that she look behind his chair.
There was Buttercup, both hands over her mouth. Her little shoulders were shaking. For a moment Sarah thought she was crying, but the mirth in her bright blue eyes told her otherwise. A goblin slowly approached Sarah, wringing his hands. "We can't find the little girl miss...we lost her." His voice was high, clearly asking for forgiveness with his tone. Sarah herself almost laughed, but like Buttercup, she held it back. She just smiled and patted the dirty little thing on the head. It smiled gratefully and scurried back to the waiting group. They were staring in awe at her, amazed that the punishment for losing the child had been so light. Sarah put her hand over her eyes and looked around the room. "Where o' where could Buttercup be?" She said loudly. A muffled squeal of delight pierced the air. The goblins too began looking around again. "Oh I do hope she's not lost! Whatever will I do without her?" Sarah truly smiled when the giggles of the girl in question came bursting out. Buttercup raced out from behind Jareth's chair and threw herself at Sarah. "I'm here! You didn't lose me!" She held her arms out, fingers wiggling in anticipation of Sarah's embrace.
Sarah picked the little girl up and hugged her tightly, her eyes on Jareth. He shrugged his shoulders dismissively and leaned back his chair, watching her. She put Buttercup down and stroked her hair, taking her hand. "How are you feeling today, Sweetheart?" The little girl gave her a strange look, shrugging her shoulders. "I'm fine Aunt Sarah. Uncle Jareth said I could play in the garden today with Ludo! I like Ludo! He's so soft!" She beamed up at Sarah, excitement dancing in her eyes. Uncle Jareth? Sarah's mind whirled and she looked at Jareth again who smirked. He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees. "Buttercup, remind Aunt Sarah how long you've been living here with us." Buttercup gave another confused look but answered again. "I've been here since I was a baby Aunt Sarah, don't you remember? Mommy and Daddy had to go away, and they left me here with you!" She hugged Sarah's legs again, rubbing her cheek on Sarah's sweater hem for a moment. Then she was off running, the goblins scattering as she giggled, chasing them as fast as her little legs would carry her and out of the throne room.
Sarah approached Jareth, speechless. He shrugged his shoulders and leaned back in his chair again. "Do you really think I would leave the child with memories of the Aboveground? The last thing I need is a constantly crying child." She just nodded and looked down at the floor. She didn't know what to do next, how the next sentence should come out. "Thinking about the beast? Rest assured, Ludo it quite healthy. He has been moved to the garden where he will remain until our business is complete." His smug voice cut through her thoughts and she looked up at him, raising her chin. "I thought as much, there are times when you are so transparent." He smirked and tented his fingers, giving her a very serious look. "I suppose we will have to decide what the cost of the next door is, won't we?" Sarah nodded, her steel gaze never wavering.
"What about Buttercup?" He looked at her in surprise.
"What about Buttercup?" He echoed.
"What will happen to her if I...that is-"
"If you don't make it out of the next door, is that what you're asking Sarah?" She nodded, her lips set into a grim line. "That depends, everything here has a price. It depends on what you're willing to pay to ensure that she stays here, happy and healthy."
Another deal to be made, another piece of her to give away, and Sarah didn't know what to offer. The little girl in question had been tossed aside too many times; she had been forgotten and alone for most of her short life. Sarah couldn't bear the thought of it happening to her again. "She cannot be left behind Jareth. Even you couldn't be that cruel." At this Jareth stood, his eyes hard and unyielding as a crystal formed in his hand.
"Really, Sarah?" He stepped towards her, his smile feral. "I have turned children into goblins, I have seen their parents ripped apart, screaming in agony. I have watched as young children run my Labyrinth, their folly in wishing younger siblings away. By the thousands this has happened, over and over again. You think this girl's fate would have been any different if you had not intervened?" The crystal showed these grotesque images as he spoke and Sarah flinched, unable to comprehend the horrors that he was showing her.
"You erased her memories! You gave her this life, there has to be enough compassion in you to have done that. There is some light Jareth, otherwise you would have ignored her, silencing her with a spell rather than helping her as you did!" Sarah knew her logic to be sound. He may try to play his actions off as selfish, but she knew better. Despite the darkness, she knew that something in him remained pure and good, it had to. Otherwise she had the feeling she'd be dead rather than playing his games.
Jareth paused at this, his eyes softening for a moment. "Everything you wish Sarah..." He whispered, caressing her cheek, his hands then running through her long hair. "You haven't said a word about my gift. I think this look suits you more." His voice was still soft, making her skin tingled pleasurably. His nearness was doing things to her head, and she needed to focus.
"It's fine, thank you. Jareth, what about Buttercup?" His eyes hardened again and he withdrew his hand.
"You're asking for a life Sarah, and not only that, but you're asking for a mortal to have a life here in the Underground."
"Isn't that what you want me to do? Have a life here in the Underground?" Jareth suddenly paused, a slow smile spreading across his lips. He sat back in his throne, producing another crystal.
"Payment Sarah, for Buttercups continued happiness, for her life, is decided." He held the shining orb out to her, his eyes eager for her to take it.
"What will it do?" She whispered, looking at Jareth rather than the crystal.
"Take it Sarah, and strike the bargain."
Did she have a choice? The giggles of the little girl suddenly rang through the air, cutting through the ruckus of the throne room. Sarah luxuriated in the sound, tears coming to her eyes. With steady fingers she took the crystal in her hand.
The world exploded.
